Happy Father's Day!

Despite the dreary weather, we had a wonderful Father's Day!  It started with me waking up to play with Jack at 5 so Tommy could keep sleeping.  However, I can't complain because that meant Jack slept through all of sacrament which is an incredible blessing!  Porter loves any kind of celebration so we have been making decorations for the last week including a tie banner and these cute cards:

Our menu was fabulous if I do say so myself.  It included onion and blue cheese stuffed burgers with sauteed mushrooms.  Delish!  We had a great berry salad with poppy seed dressing, pineapple and corn on the cob since it is my dad's favorite!  And finally the dessert:  Maple Bacon Cupcakes and 2 kinds of homemade icecream: Cinnamon (which btw is AMAZING!!!) and Peanut Butter.  As you can imagine we all probably gained 5 pounds just today, but sometimes the splurge is worth it.  Tomorrow feels like a detox is coming on!

I feel so blessed to have such an amazing father in my life.  I have always been a daddy's girl so my father holds a very special place in my heart.  We have a unique bond and look out for each other.  I try to keep him in line with his diabetes and he gives me advice about almost everything.  He has always played an important role in my life and even in the lives of my friends.  "Papa English" as he is fondly called took the time to learn the names of everyone of my friends and all about their lives and truly looked out for them as a second father.  (I even remember him having to discreetly buy sanitary supplies for one of my friends on Concert Choir Tour when she was in desperate need of them, and that is saying a lot!!) He is great with kids (which must explain why at least 15 years of his church life have been spent in Primary and another 10 spent in Young Men's) and it has been great to see what a great grandpa he is.  My boys love him to pieces and I would venture to guess that Papa is Porter's best friend.  It has been really hard to see my dad have to close his business, but the silver lining for me is that I got to have my dad back.  For the past couple of years he was working so hard he could barely pay attention to anything else.  And now he has time to talk and go on walks and enjoy life with me and my boys.  I love my dad.  He is a great example to me of hard work and determination.  He taught me how to save money and budget things.  He shares my love for lists and organization and order.  (although we both obviously must do it wrong or else we wouldn't have to keep organizing again and again)  My dad has a positive outlook on life, despite the many trials he has faced and his testimony doesn't seem to waver.  I love my dad and feel blessed to be raised by such a great man.

And in honor of Father's Day I cannot forget to express my gratitude to Tommy.  He is an INCREDIBLE Father!  If I had to choose one word to describe Tom it would be patient.  He has exceptional patience and with kids like ours that is hard to come by.  He will drop anything to play with his boys and they love him for it.  He plays legos and superheros for hours on end, takes Porter to the hardware store with him every chance they get, and in case you didn't know, Tom is an awesome story teller.  I use to think that my boys seemed to prefer Tom over me because he was more of the novelty as he was gone so much of the time.  Since he has been out of work I have realized that is not the reason.  They still prefer him over me!  I feel blessed to have a worthy priesthood holder be the head of our family and am so grateful for the influence and example Tom is setting for our children in all aspects of his life.  He is a hard worker and has a positive outlook on life.  He never says no to helping people, even though sometimes I wish he would!  He fulfills his calling and is ready to substitute for any one at church, even when he realizes after he said yes that it was the chastity lesson or when he had to speak in sacrament and sub Gospel Doctrine in the same day!  His example, I'm sure, will help set a precedent with his children of the importance of service help influence their testimoney.  I feel blessed to have such an incredible man raising our children and couldn't ask for anyone better! 

Lake Powell, Captain America and Praise to the Man

Well, we survived Lake Powell!  I was hesitant to leave Jack with anyone considering his sleep habits and craziness, but if anyone could do it I knew my Aunt Jenny could and would!  She said he did quite well, he is completely crazy and must have a death-wish the way he climbs things, and had some rough nights.   But he obviously loved it.  I mean, who wouldn't love being an 8 year olds personal Baby Alive?  To be doted on and entertained by 5 kids isn't such a bad deal.  When we went to pick him up, he would have chosen to stay with my Uncle John had I let him.

As for us, you may wonder why we would possibly go to Lake Powell when we don't have a job?  Well, the truth is, my parents have awesome friends!  The Redd's let us stay on their house boat and fed us who can pass up a trip like that?  Porter was in heaven as well.  With 16 adults who take turns entertaining him, who wouldn't?  The day we got down there Haven Redd (age 8) promptly asked me where Porter was in his dinosaur learning.  Hmm, um well, he's not.  She then informed me that she quite conveniently had the Dinosaur Encyclopedia with her so she could further his dinosaur education.  And that she did.  She would sit across from Porter on a stool with her legs basically trapping him in and read to him verbatim out of the Encyclopedia!  He would start to show a painful look of boredom on his face after a few sentences and then would start singing, "Praise to the Man" (more on that later).  But still he would sit.  It cracked me up to watch, but every once and a while I would need to intervene to save him.  His favorite activity?  Paddle Boating to find pirate treasure in what he named "Masagna Cove".  Some change buried in a plastic cup made the perfect treasure!  Oh how I love his sense of adventure and awesome imagination!

The water was FREEZING in Powell, which is to be expected at this time of year, but the weather was a welcome 80 plus degrees during the day and I ate it up!  The first few nights were beautiful down there sleeping on top of the house boat, the perfect temperature to sleep under the stars.  However, Saturday night was MISERABLE!  I have never seen a wind storm down in Powell like that.  Alan sat up all night being sure that our anchors were secure to the rocks, the boys got up more than once to re-tie the ski boat to the houseboat, pillows were flying, sand was blowing, everyone was fighting to sleep, and Porter, he was fast asleep and had no idea!  We are taking 30 mph winds people!  It shouldn't surprise me when the child can sleep just about anywhere.  Case in point:

However, even Jack has managed to fall asleep in quite odd places.  I guess that is what you get for not sleeping at night and being crazy during the day!  He has done this on a few occasions where he will be crying as he pathetically crawls across the floor (yes he can walk) and all of a sudden, mid cry, he basically passes out.  Is that normal?

Well, back to Powell, it was fun and a welcome break, and nice to not have to face the reality that is mine for now.  And as you can see, we totally slacked and didn't take one picture.  Remind me why Tommy has such an awesome camera again?  

No news on the job front for Tommy and me being crazy busy with work, Relief Society, and mommy.  The one upside to Tom being home?  He makes awesome pancakes and waffles and feeds the boys every morning.

And now let me introduce you to Captain America, whom we refer to as Cap and who Porter will inform you is really Steve Rogers.  This boy loves his comic book heroes!  Unfortunately his mommy is not allowing her 3 year old to see all the new movies coming out that he is dying to see:  Thor, Captain America, X-Men, no matter how many stickers he earns on his chart.

  Thank you Justin for getting him hooked!

As for "Praise to the Man"?  Porter is learning that song in Primary and has taken it upon himself to learn the entire thing.  A few nights ago Porter asked Tom to tell him the story of "King Shalleck".  Tom was so confused until Porter further explained that King Shalleck killed Joseph Smith.  WHAT?  To make a long story short, Porter was referring to this song, "Praise to the Man" and King Shalleck isn't a King at all, but rather the phrase, "kings shall extol him and nations revere."  As for killing Joseph Smith, well, we have now corrected that.  We sit for hours on end watching youtube videos of the Tab Choir singing it as Porter mouths the words and he is now obsessed with the "Hero Prophet" Joseph Smith and wants to know all about him.  How cute is he?

Updates

There have been a lack of posts, but you know how life gets right?  We haven't been up to much except me working a bunch and Tommy doing odd jobs and looking for a real job, squeezing in some playing time in between.  Did I mention I'm in the Relief Society now which adds just a bit more to my plate than I feel I can sometimes handle, but the Lord knows what he is doing when he prompts a call, right?  If for no other reason than for me to realize that I need to be more grateful because there is someone who always has it worse than me.  Well, to update with my boys:

Ohh the Naughtiness!

Jack has become quite the handful these days.  He climbs on EVERYTHING and has quite an amazing ability to balance!  Our tall kitchen table is a favorite of his, as is the Handy Manny Tool Bench. He doesn't really enjoy toys, he just enjoys getting into trouble and always turns back right before he does it and squeals just to know you are watching.   You CANNOT turn your back on him for five seconds without him getting into trouble.  Case in point:  yesterday I was at my mom's house while Tommy went and did IFLY (present from his birthday).  The kids were getting stir crazy so I thought it would be fun to set up Jack's Sand and Water table on the deck.  I decided it best to fill it with warmer water from the sink so I was going back and forth a few times with a bucket.  Well, although Porter was really into the table, Jack was not and immediately bee-lined it for the stairs.  

Have you ever experienced that SLOW MOTION horror when something bad happens and there is nothing you can do about it?  I was a split second too late on grabbing him and down he tumbled.  Somersaulting first and landing on his neck and then down to the bottom not forgetting to smack his head upon arrival.  I saw it coming. . . I was trying to grab him. . . But it was too late and I was helpless.  I watched in HORROR as he fell and hurried down to gather him up.  But don't worry, it gets worse.  Guess what that child landed in?  Dog Poo!  Yes, you read right, POO!  He was covered, I was covered and then my mom coming to help was covered.  Well, it is an amazing thing how resilient children are.  He bawled and I washed him off in the tub, but a few seconds later he was fine.  I continued to be that CRAZY mom, continually checking his pupils and being sure he didn't manifest any signs of a concussion, but to be honest, I don't even see a bruise or bump on him today.  

Trent and Jack taking a Sunday Nap

Oh the joys of motherhood right?  You feel guilty for not giving them attention and then you try to play and end up covered in poop!  But I love my boys and I love being a mom, so I guess that is life right?

Porter is a whole different breed of child than Jack.  He is self entertaining, LOVES toys and is a tad bit more obedient.  He keeps me on my toes and has me laughing out loud a lot.  Sometimes I think Tom and I don't realize how much he hears and much he knows of what is going on.  My dad was on a business call and was upset with someone and my mom came in to the room trying to figure out what my dad was talking about and Porter, without even looking up from his Lego's, explained the entire conversation almost verbatim, not even missing a beat!  It seems we spend a lot of time at my parents house lately, and to be honest right now we do!  Tom's air conditioning in his car is shot so I need to drop him off at my mom's sometimes if he has a Mr. Sandless job to help Trent with so we try to save gas and I just stay there until he is finished.  Plus I guess for me it makes me feel a little less guilty that I have so much work right now if I have other people and other things to entertain them as well, like a yard even!  

Not much else has been going on lately, just trying to keep our heads above water.  Oh, and in case you are wondering?  Remember the New Year's Goal to get more sleep?  It isn't happening because someone still doesn't sleep.  We are even trying essential oils and massage.  He is pretty lucky he is so dang cute!  Keep Tommy in your prayers to find a job!  Maybe one day I'll find where I put Jack's 1 year old pictures and post them!

Simple Mom Solutions

I am posting this mainly for my friend Christina who was upset with me last week for just finding this out.  (okay, and it is also a shameless plug, but it's my blog right?) In case you didn't already know, I have a deal site that posts deals, coupons, amazon deals, diaper deals, Rite Aid shopping lists and coupon matchups, menu plans with recipes, shopping lists, and price estimates, and other money saving and frugal living tips.  I don't post every free sample and useless deal on my site, it is usually stuff that I need and want. Apparently none of my crafting friends didn't know I did this.  Well, here ya go girls, I do!  And I also teach coupon classes.  If you are interested I would be happy to teach you.  I like to keep groups small so you get all your questions answered.  Stop on over here, if you are interested.  And right now I'm having a giveaway for a $50 Mixbook Photobook Certificate. This just happens to be my favorite photobook site! Go here to enter, all you have to do is become a Follower!  I will be doing a Favorite Things Friday with giveaways every Friday of things I love!  So there is my shameless plug, I promise I won't self promote anymore! :)

"It Takes Faith. . ."

I've been MIA for a while lately (or so my friends say) but life has been a bit crazy and I feel like I have been a bit of a spectator to my own life.  We've been in a scramble since Tommy is now out of work. I've taken more hours at work to help with money which means late nights and early mornings so I don't have to work when I'm spending time with my kids (so far we have had not luck in qualifying for government health care, so glad I pay into a system that rarely benefits me and seems to help those it shouldn't, don't worry, I won't go into a political discourse right now I promise) I've been helping my dad clear out his business and files, and I'm now in the Relief Society Presidency which seems to have way more obligations than scouts :) 

 To be honest, I have felt a little picked on lately, as nothing seems to be going right.  I took Jack to the doctor who seems to be a bit concerned with the size of Jack's head.  While others tell me not to worry, it is hard not to when your doctor keeps re-measuring it and begins talking of a possible shunt due to excess fluid in his skull.  By the end of the week I was emotionally exhausted with everything and felt quite bitter that we had to clean the church on Saturday.  Luckily I have a child who tries to keep things in perspective for me when he starts lecturing me on how important it is to clean Jesus' church and reminds me that it is ok that daddy lost his job because he has money in his bank.  

At my Relief Society Presidency Meeting, my President shared this quote which I absolutely love and has brought a lot of comfort to me.  The Lord manages to teach and comfort us in so many ways and I can't help but think that this sister was prompted to share this with me:

 “It takes faith—unseeing faith—for young people to proceed immediately with their family responsibilities in the face of financial uncertainties. It takes faith for the young woman to bear her family instead of accepting employment, especially when schooling for the young husband is to be finished. It takes faith to observe the Sabbath when ‘time and a half’ can be had working, when sales can be made, when merchandise can be sold. It takes a great faith to pay tithes when funds are scarce and demands are great. It takes faith to fast and have family prayers and to observe the Word of Wisdom. It takes faith to do ward teaching, stake missionary work, and other service, when sacrifice is required. It takes faith to fill foreign missions. But know this—that all these are of the planting, while faithful devout families, spiritual security, peace, and eternal life are the harvests.
“Remember that Abraham, Moses, Elijah, and others could not see clearly the end from the beginning. They also walked by faith and without sight. Remember again that no gates were open; Laban was not drunk; and no earthly hope was justified at the moment Nephi exercised his faith and set out finally to get the plates. No asbestos clothes or other ordinary protective devices were in the fiery furnace to protect the three Hebrews from death; there were no leather nor metal muzzles for the mouths of the lions when Daniel was locked in the den.

“Remember that there were no clouds in the sky nor any hydrometer in his hand when Elijah promised an immediate break in the long extended drouth; though Joshua may have witnessed the miracle of the Red Sea, yet how could he by mortal means perceive that the flooding Jordan would back up for the exact time needed for the crossing, and then flow on its way to the Dead Sea.

“Remember that there were no clouds in the sky, no evidence of rain, and no precedent for the deluge when Noah builded the ark according to commandment. There was no ram in the thicket when Isaac and his father left for Moriah for the sacrifice. Remember there were no towns and cities, no farms and gardens, no homes and storehouses, no blossoming desert in Utah when the persecuted pioneers crossed the plains. And remember that there were no heavenly beings in Palmyra, on the Susquehanna or on Cumorah when the soul-hungry Joseph slipped quietly into the Grove, knelt in prayer on the river bank, and climbed the slopes of the sacred hill.

“But know this: that undaunted faith can stop the mouths of lions, make ineffective the fiery flames, make dry corridors through beds of rivers and seas. Unwavering faith can protect against deluge, terminate drouths, heal the sick, and bring heavenly manifestations. Indomitable faith can help us live the commandments and thereby bring blessings unnumbered with peace, perfection, and exaltation in the kingdom of God” (Spencer W. Kimball, in Conference Report, Oct. 1952, 50–51).

Happy Birthday Jack!

That's right, my baby boy turned one.  Crazy that a year has flown by but what a CRAZY year it has been.  This little boy has kept me on my toes from the second he was born.  He is full of personality to say the least.  Porter was such an even tempered easy going child, but Jack, well let's just say he is completely the opposite!  He is, shall we say, a bit bi-polar but he certainly is such a fun-loving joyful kid when he is on the upswing.  It has been quite a year of sleepless nights which we still haven't overcome but how can you resist this smile?

He has just started walking and can take just a few steps before he gives up because he can crawl faster than any other baby.  He says two words.  One is Mama (yes I'm loving that!) and the other is Ama.  Let me explain.  When I first taught Porter the clean up song a few years ago, he translated clean up into Ama. ("Ama, ama, everybody everywhere. . . ")  So for some reason Jack has picked up on this and now sweetly sings Ama, Ama.  So dang cute!

We celebrated his birthday with a Mickey Mouse Party.  The cake:

Note for all you mothers, don't have your one year old's cake have black frosting on it.  I didn't expect him to dig into it as much as he did because Porter hated his cake, but Jack LOVED it!   Needless to say we had to throw him into the bath before the party could continue.

He wasn't sure about it right at first.  I put a little in his mouth and then he started to get into it.

And dug deeper.

He thought it was hilarious.

And this was the end result!

The opening of present was a bit overwhelming.  This present was my favorite.  Haven wrote Jack a card and on the back she has constructed a lesson on symmetry.  I love how kids think!

Jack is such a joy to have in our family.  He adds quite a new dynamic.  He loves to wrestle with anyone but especially Porter whom he beats up on a daily basis.  Pillow fighting is his favorite activity.  I need to get a video because I have never seen a kid laugh so hard, especially because he is getting bombarded with pillows at his face.  Apparently this is the funniest thing in the world!

I think it is indescribable the joy you experience being a mother.  I love my boys and wouldn't trade it for the world!  I am blessed that although right now I do need to work because of some uncertainty, I am grateful that it allows me to still be home with my children.  I cannot imagine working a full time job and consider myself lucky that my main job is to raise my children.

And the Battle Rages On

Did I mention we have mice?  Yes mice,as in the plural.  We have now caught around 10 and I am writing this while sitting at my mom's house because I saw my second one this morning.  I am writing this more as a venting and coping exercise more than anything I warn you.  Now let's backtrack for a moment.  I am an over-reactor and an anxiety ridden freak who does get swallowed up in the false info on the internet when I start to stress over something. When we found our first mouse, I told Tommy if we find one we will find at least 10.  My mom and Tommy assured me that it was probably just one or two and when we found the entrance point we would be done with them. Now although I am not happy about being right, maybe my over-reactions should sometimes be taken more seriously.

Tommy has dealt with all the rest and it had been about a week since we had seen really any or any signs of them.  At first I felt disgusting because maybe my house wasn't clean, but once the mice enter they can breed fast!  21 Gestational cycle to be more precise and from what I can tell they can start breeding soon after they are born.  So even if the mice entered my house a month ago there could be more!  Upon sighting, I packed up the kids and headed to my mom's house.  They are in one centralized location in our house it appears but I don't really like the thought of my children playing around areas where mice have been or could be.  Almost everything in my cupboard is now in plastic containers and I have just about lost my appetite.  I vacuum my house EVERYDAY, in every nook and cranny and underneath couches.  I sweep the kitchen no less than 5 times a day and continually spray lysol everywhere.  Everytime I walk downstairs I hesitate and slowly turn the corner for fear that I will see another one.

The exterminators are coming tomorrow. I called a number yesterday but after one company charges $39-$50 per mouse removed and the people at Orkin told me no less than 5 times that mice lay eggs, I decided on BEELINE Pest Control, so here's hoping.  While on the phone with the orkin tech, I even hesistated for a moment in my elementary knowledge that mammals don't lay eggs and even double check the internet just to be sure I hadn't completely lost my mind.  I mean it was supposedly a trained animal control technician.  But indeed, Mice are mammals and therefore do not lay eggs.  The Orkin tech kept telling me that I would need to have their services for a year because even though we may catch the live ones their eggs will be left in the walls to hatch.  Um, WRONG! Although the thought of a mice infestation makes my stomach churn, I do believe (and hope and pray) that we will soon be rid of them. After which will require another thorough cleaning of every cupboard, pantry, drawer, and baseboard in my entire house.